Related Video: Tampa Bay Task Force Saves Children from Human Trafficking
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – The first physical report from the University of South Florida highlights the state’s high risk of human trafficking.
The 2024 State Report on Human Trafficking, commissioned by the state of Florida, estimated that over 500,000 people were exploited last year by labor trafficking, and that 200,000 people in the state had exploited sex trafficking.
The report estimates that minors are sex trafficked for half of the population.
“No showers for four days”: detainee explains the situation with Alligator Alcatraz
A report by the University of South Florida’s Resilience Lab to Trafficking (TIP) Risk shows that Florida has one of the nation’s highest fees for human trafficking.
“Human trafficking is considered a hidden crime, and its victims are often invisible,” said Joan Reid, director of The Tip Lab and professor of USF St. Petersburg Criminology. “Given these circumstances, the key objective of this report is to make the invisible hidden by those responsible for disrupting human trafficking in our communities, counties and states.”
Researchers said many factors contribute to the incredible number of Florida, including the large population, the number of major cities hosting national and international events, the spread of airports and ports, and key industries such as agriculture, tourism and entertainment.
The report also details how the state is working to disrupt human trafficking, including increased prevention efforts, prosecutions and greater coordination between state agencies.
TIP Lab researchers were able to collect and analyze anonymous trafficking data from 30 state agencies and nonprofit organizations, including the Children and Families Division in Florida and the Tampa Bay Crisis Center.
“We believe this annual report will have a significant impact on human trafficking prevention efforts, and will help many adults and children escape the catastrophic consequences of human trafficking, and many survivors receive safe and effective support.”
“Reports like this have not been done in the past because it appears it is impossible to collect all this data, which is located in so many different organizations,” Reed said. “We are extremely grateful for both the state’s mandate to collect all this data and the funds to make it a reality and support the state’s continued response to human trafficking.”
Click here to view the full report.
